Description
Silky pesto lemon gnocchi delivers Italian comfort with a zesty twist, blending tender potato dumplings and crisp broccoli florets. Parmesan cheese and bright citrus notes elevate this simple dish, promising a quick, delightful meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 (16 ounces / 454 grams) package potato gnocchi
- 2.3 cups broccoli or broccolini
- 2 cups chopped kale
- 1/2 cup pesto sauce
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Cream and Seasonings:
- 1.5 cups organic heavy cream
- 1/4 cup organic vegetable stock/broth
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
Spices and Garnish:
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- Chopped walnuts, toasted
Instructions
- Prepare a medium saucepan with water and bring to a rolling boil. Gently drop gnocchi into the bubbling liquid, allowing them to cook until they rise to the surface, approximately 4-5 minutes. Carefully drain and reserve.
- Warm olive oil in a skillet over medium-high temperature. Introduce broccoli to the pan, seasoning generously with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika, basil, and oregano. Toss vegetables vigorously, cooking until they transform into a deep green and achieve tender consistency, roughly 3-4 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Initiate sauce preparation by melting butter in a large skillet. Incorporate minced garlic, allowing it to release its aromatic essence for 1-2 minutes. Introduce pesto, creating a fragrant base. Stream in heavy cream, vegetable stock, fresh lemon juice, and delicate lemon zest. Allow the mixture to simmer gently, developing rich flavors for 1-2 minutes. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese, whisking continuously until the sauce thickens and becomes luxuriously smooth.
- Merge the components by folding cooked gnocchi and sautéed broccoli into the creamy sauce. Ensure every morsel is lavishly coated, stirring for an additional 1-2 minutes to meld flavors completely.
- Transfer to serving plates immediately, garnishing with toasted nuts or seeds for textural contrast. Accompany with crusty bread to transform this dish into a satisfying meal.
Notes
- Swap heavy cream with coconut milk or plant-based cream for a dairy-free alternative that maintains rich, creamy texture.
- Roast broccoli beforehand to enhance caramelization and develop deeper, nutty flavor profile.
- Use gluten-free gnocchi to make recipe celiac-friendly without compromising taste or texture.
- Toast pine nuts or pumpkin seeds quickly in dry skillet for maximum crunchiness and added nutritional boost before sprinkling on top.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 590
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 40g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 80mg